Name: Paulo Cesar Leite dos Santos
Apelido / Nickname: Mestre Pintor
Nationality: Brazilian
Date of birth: 17/09/??
Profession: Capoeira master, head of Grupo Bantus Capoeira
Cord: Mestre - 
Paulo Cesar Leite dos Santos, or Mestre Pintor as he is known within Capoeira circles, is the master of Grupo Bantus Capoeira in Brazil. He started playing around with Capoeira on the streets as a teenager. Later on he trained in Belo Horizonte and then Bahia with various masters, chasing after knowledge of Capoeira, before coming to rest in the academy of Mestre Joao Pequeno of Pastinha in Salvador, Bahia. He graduated as a master in 1989 with the group of Macaco at the Escola de Educacao Fisica in Belo Horizonte, and after a few more years training with Mestre Joao Pequeno also graduated as a master of Capoeira Angola.
The Grupo Bantus Capoeira was formed on the 20th of May, 1991 and there are now a number of schools in Belo Horizonte and the state of Minas Gerais as well as instructors teaching in Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. Mestre Pintor shares his positive energy and outlook along with his knowledge of Capoeira and gives great direction to the energy of the Bantus Capoeira group. Although Pintor’s training was within Capoeira Angola we practice both Angola and Regional in Bantus Capoeira. In general it is the contemporary style of Capoeira that exists in today’s world, a mix of Capoeira’s varying historical influences. We also play Maculelé, dance samba de roda and forró and sing loud with muito Axé!
Mestre Pintor visits Perth at least once a year. Each time holding the annual Batizado, and also leading the shows, workshops on Capoiera, music, instruments, and other aspects of the Brazilian culture.
Here is the transcript of the interview. I’ve tried to keep the words as accurate as possible but in some areas I’ve added a word or two that helps to reflect in English the passion Mestre had for the subject or the sense of what he is saying. - Richard.
What lead you to start learning Capoeira?
The first similar thing I saw was a game of Judo in the late 60s which interested me. Then in 1970 I saw a film about Capoeira on the TV and wanted to find out more. I met friends who played Capoeira and together we learned in the street. Then in 1972 I was introduced to somebody who taught it and I began to seriously train. I was 15 years old. I’ve been studying Capoeira ever since.
Did you work at the same time?
Initially I trained, worked and studied but in 1982 I decided to commit myself to Capoeira. It was a very difficult thing to do, to make a living from Capoeira through teaching, performing, selling instruments and materials. Today it is still a very difficult path to take.
Was Capoeira popular in Brazil when you started?
It was growing in the 70s and peaked in popularity in Brazil from 1980-85. It became a little easier to make a living from it then, but today it is harder. For me, now that Bantus has a presence overseas there is more stability, but if it was just in Brazil it would be tough.
Has Capoeira changed you?
Yes, Capoeira has improved me. Not simply physically, but my personality as well. Today I am tougher mentally, more determined. I go after goals and I’ve found ways of conquering things and really achieving.
What is the most important aspect of Capoeira for you?
The most important things are the history and the culture and passing that knowledge from teacher to student in the group. It’s vital for the group to be strong, united and to absorb and reflect the culture. Everything must revolve around the group and be a cohesive whole. The group is not just for training but is a meeting place for friends and a focal point for sharing time together and having fun. All the members of the group must look out for each other and help each other. The group protects and provides a place free from the negative influences outside.
So this formed the basis of your philosophy when you started Bantus?
Yes, and the idea behind the group was to create an environment to give people access to the culture and the quality of life capoeira can provide. The group is for professionals (teachers) and students but also those who love and respect what Capoeira stands for. Capoeira is a philosophy of life for me. It is the foundation from which you live your life. We need to embrace the cultural universe: the Afro/black Brazilian culture, the Samba, the Maculele, the struggle of the poor of Brazil, the social and political environment and see the whole as it is expressed through Capoeira. It is not just an abstract thing, it is a concrete and living entity.
When you started Bantus did you expect it to grow as much as it has?
Before starting Bantus I had visited Europe and when I created the group I had a desire to make it more than just Brazil. Bantus now has a presence in several countries; Australia, Israel, Germany, Holland, Malaysia, and also the UK, New Zealnd, Japan and New Caledonia. They might not all be up and running 100% yet but they are growing. I want to have a presence in 10 countries and then I’ll be satisfied with the scale of Bantus. It’s good to keep up with demand but it’s only worth growing if the high standard is maintained. If it’s not, then forget it. That’s why we will only start in more countries if there is somebody with this understanding and the quality to make it work. Within the group as well, nurturing and maintaining this high standard is vital. It’s not the colour of your cord that is the most important thing. It is more important to have the right quality of technique and the depth of understanding and expression of the culture surrounding Capoeira. Without the cultural appreciation a kick or a berimbau means nothing.
Who has been the most influential person on your growth within Capoeira?
For my first 10 years practicing Capoeira I didn’t study under a specific Mestre. I played and learned in soccer fields, waste land, wherever possible. I met many Masters in that time but it was then in 1982 that I met Joao Pequenho. I admired his ability and his philosophy and studied under him from then on. Above all others I respect Joao Pequenho. He has been the Padrinho [Father figure] for Bantus since it began and I am trying to help him now that he is older. He has a hard life and I want to be able to assist him to live comfortably.
Finally, what advice do you have for the Bantus students here in Perth?
Always look to the foundations of Capoeira for your strength. Capoeira teaches us a lot about growth in our lives. Look to grow individually through Capoeira, in your private lives, and look for your group and personal values from within Capoeira. Remember the oppression from which it stemmed and that it provided the Brazilian poor with a path to liberation and freedom. Over here you have good students who are following a really good path, there has been strong leadership and it is most important as a group to maintain that and never to leave that path that you have started.
Obrigado Mestre Pintor!